What's it like on a PGL Brownie Takeover Weekend?
We caught up with a volunteer who took her unit to Newby Wiske last year
Looking to bring more adventure to your unit?
PGL Brownie Takeover Weekends give girls exclusive access to a PGL centre for an entire weekend. Brownies can enjoy a programme packed with fun and adventure, with all activities, meals and accommodation included. To find out more, we asked Brownie leader Harriet what she thought about her PGL Takeover Weekend last year.
When you book a Brownie Takeover Weekend, the PGL team will work with you to create a special experience tailored to your unit.
'PGL were keen to know what the objectives of going away were for our unit, and what we particularly wanted to get out of the trip,' Harriet told us.
'For us that was building confidence, teamwork and having a lot of fun! We also had a couple of dietary needs in the group and PGL centrally and at the site wanted to ensure all information was available and everyone had what they needed.'
What makes the PGL Brownie takeover weekends special is that they’re exclusively open to Brownies and Girlguiding volunteers. This means that girls can have fun and make new friends with Brownies from across the UK, and leaders can feel confident with who they’re sharing the venue with.
'In a big venue we prefer to know, particularly for Brownies, that all groups and guest adults are part of Girlguiding,” Harriet said. “That helps the whole experience as everyone you encounter is working in the same governance and has the same expectations for behaviour, safety and fun.'
'It was exciting to be there with other Brownies,” she continued, “and it’s quite social for the adults too! For our rural group of Brownies, being part of a big weekend is a great way for our Brownies to see that they are part of a big organisation.'
At Brownie Takeover weekends, you don’t need to worry about catering, equipment, accommodation or planning the activities – PGL will take care of all those things for you. Leaving you with more time to enjoy the important things, like having fun with the girls and catching those special mountain-top moments.
'We love a variety of trips and much as we enjoy catering, having that done for us is really helpful!' Harriet said.
'Our leaders are all busy and to have a weekend planned with our input, but not to have to think about planning a timetable, food and activities, and not having a venue to clean up after was a bit of a luxury!'
'This is an easy to participate in weekend with a recognisable Girlguiding element.' Harriet says. 'It’s a reasonable cost and run in a safe, inclusive and exciting environment, with a range of activities on offer. These are a fantastic way for our members to experience adventure and something new, to build their own confidence and skills in a safe and fun environment.'
Check out what leaders love about PGL Brownie Takeover Weekends.
And it's not just Brownies who get to build confidence and have fun at PGL. You can book fun packed trips for your unit on weekends all year round and get a free leader place for every 8 girls. You can even enjoy discounts on PGL Family Adventure Breaks and Kids’ Adventure Camps with your family. Find out more about the 40+ activities on offer at PGL’s 15 activity centres across the UK.
PGL Brownie Takeover Weekends are now open for bookings for 2024 at 3 centres across the UK. Can’t wait to get stuck into your next adventure? There are still places available for the next PGL Brownie Takeover Weekend on 1-3 March at Caythorpe Court in Lincolnshire. To find out more and book your next unforgettable adventure, head to PGL’s website.